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Submitted by
amaury
a Cross Country Rider
from Santo Domingo, dominican republicDate Reviewed: January 30, 2009
Strengths: Great for climbing!
Lightweight frame!Bottom Line: When i got this beautifull ocean blue painted bike in 1998 it came with judy SL, deore xt drivetrain and brakes and mavic sup ub 217 rims. I was just 17 years old and it was my racing bike. I can say there was nothing better at that time, for the price and the performance that this model in particular offers.
Then i stoped riding for 7 years and in this last year updated all de components for a smother ride.
People don't stop asking me why don't i change the frame for a newer one and the answer is always the same: this frame realy makes me feel like i'm riding a bike that's worth to be called a bike!
All the confort, the smoothness, and the nice geometry it's what makes me keep on saying: this is the best bike ever!
Favorite Trail: ...
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At: Santo Domingo
Similar Products Used: Cannondale F-600
Bike Setup: -Sid world cup suspension
-Sram X9 drivetrain
-Magura HS33 eisbär rim brakes
-Mavic cross ride rims
-bontrager carbon seatpost
-Kore elite stem
-coda aluminum handlebar
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Terry
a Cross Country Rider
from Duxbury, MADate Reviewed: August 18, 2008
Strengths: Light. Attention to detail. Deore.Weaknesses: Front shock suits the bike but nothing beyond the ordinary.Bottom Line: It feels a little weird to ride a bike that basically looks and feels like it should be in a museum.
However, the attention to detail is amazing on this bike. And it's so light. Once you've experienced this level quality, your not sure you deserve it but your definitely not going back to anything less. It's like staying in a five star hotel.
The bike handles nimbly but predictably. Shifting with the grip shifts is very precise. The alu frame handles like a Gary Fisher (not meaning to take the bike down a notch or two) but the the heavy duty frame means it can handle extreme abuse.
I bought this bike lightly used in 1998, which makes it a twelve year old bike. Other than the front shock and lack of disk brake, the bike feels eerily current spec.
All in all, a very cool bike that will hold it's resale value, and fun to ride. The balance of the frame, shock and deore components comes together in a way that can't be described (other than being similar to a Porsche, I suppose).
Not for everybody, but then again not for anybody.
Favorite Trail: United States
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At: used
Similar Products Used: m/a
Bike Setup: pretty much stock
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Ray Kleiner
a Cross Country Rider
from Milano, ItalyDate Reviewed: September 27, 2007
Strengths: Amazing Ride, very response, great for climbing.
Rigid hardtail with the quality Klein ride.
Lightweight, fast response, quality paint finish
ThoroughbredWeaknesses: Frame can damage easily.
Mine got dent after competition in FranceBottom Line: I bought this bike new in 1996. Here it is over 10 years later and still a pleasure to ride. It was twitchy in competitive rides but always came into its own on climbs. These bikes have such attention to detail, are in a class of their own and will never be made this way again. I cannot part with the bike!!
For those who never tried a Klein (pre Trek)won't know what I'm talking about, suggest you get one and see.
The Pulse II was the lightest frame made at the time by Klein and was a masterpiece of under-statement.
Just bought another Pulse II frame on eBay!!!
Favorite Trail: Parco Ticino
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At: Klein Dealer (UK)
Similar Products Used: Canondale Scalpel. Marin Team.
Bike Setup: Ringle stem, seat tube & hubs, XTR groupset, mavic X517 rims,
Nokian tyres.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Ray Kleiner
a Cross Country Rider
from Milano, ItalyDate Reviewed: September 27, 2007
Strengths: Amazing Ride, very response, great for climbing.
Rigid hardtail with the quality Klein ride.
Lightweight, fast response, quality paint finish
ThoroughbredWeaknesses: Frame can damage easily.
Mine got dent after competition in FranceBottom Line: I bought this bike new in 1996. Here it is over 10 years later and still a pleasure to ride. It was twitchy in competitive rides but always came into its own on climbs. These bikes have such attention to detail, are in a class of their own and will never be made this way again. I cannot part with the bike!!
For those who never tried a Klein (pre Trek)won't know what I'm talking about, suggest you get one and see.
The Pulse II was the lightest frame made at the time by Klein and was a masterpiece of under-statement.
Just bought another Pulse II frame on eBay!!!
Favorite Trail: Parco Ticino
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$3500.00
Purchased At: Klein Dealer (UK)
Similar Products Used: Canondale Scalpel. Marin Team.
Bike Setup: Ringle stem, seat tube & hubs, XTR groupset, mavic X517 rims,
Nokian tyres.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Phil Bishop
a Cross Country Rider
from CADate Reviewed: November 18, 2002
Strengths: Frame, frame, frame.....Weaknesses: components - but what do you expect ?Bottom Line: Here's the deal - the Frame alone is worth twice what I paid - to me. Don't gibve me any Trek / pre Trek **** - All Klein frame's rock. They have an undefinable quality. I've owned Stmpjumpers, Cannondales, Treks and come from a long cycling history from BMX racing to serious XC riding. I'm more a recreationalist now - but of all the bikes I've ridden - specced up to the nines with XT and $500 forks - this is just somehow sweeter. This bike was stolen and I just bought another one used. I'll upgrade - but the frame is what counts and this one is as good as ANY alu hardtail.
Bottom line - what other bike - with a crappy Indy fork and has been low grade Alivio componenets could possibly feel this good to ride and accelerate and climb in the way the Klein does ? None. 5 flaming chilis for the frame.
Favorite Trail: Sunset Ridge
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$480.00
Purchased At: Fox Firestone Bikes, FL
Similar Products Used: Specialized stumpjumper Cannondale F800
Bike Setup: Basic Shimano Alivio, Indy C
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Hong
a Weekend Warrior
from HollandDate Reviewed: October 3, 2002
Strengths: Excellent rigid frame
Excellent ride (once you get used to it)
Reliable and very durable (frame & components), this bike took a beating.
Very light
Good value, nice alternative to tailor-made KleinsWeaknesses: GripShift absolutely %$#@
STX front derailler a bit heavyBottom Line: Lifetime bike, light, so easy to carry (if necessary, like on my trip from Ba'Kelalan to Bario)
Alu frame means excellent for jungle use and North Sea shores.
Highly recommended
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At: Stavanger
Similar Products Used: DBS Kilimanjaro
Bike Setup: Shimano XT rear derailler, shifts and brakes, LX front derailler
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Miquel
a Weekend Warrior
from Barcelona, SpainDate Reviewed: July 8, 2002
Strengths: Light frame. Very good design. Rigid to climb and sweet to down. The X-Ray Shifters.Weaknesses: Brakes. The STX-RC front derailleur.Bottom Line: Good bike. Nervous and funny. But I think, only if you are trained, can really enjoyed it.
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1025.00
Bike Setup: No. Only Klein and Michelin tires. Bar-ends.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
whitney cook
a Downhiller
from fairbanks alaskaDate Reviewed: July 25, 1999
Strengths:
light frame good brakes
great geomitry hreat
shock rilly solid feel
no play anywhereWeaknesses:
the derailers are only
shimono aBottom Line: a kick butt affordable bike
Favorite Trail:
insporation point
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Bike Setup:
a klein pulse comp with
a manatoau fs shock and
a 8 speed rear
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cooter
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago IllinoisDate Reviewed: June 3, 1999
Strengths:
Fairly light. Great Frame, for acceleration.Weaknesses:
Some components cheesyBottom Line: I own a Trek 950 that I've broken and replaced everything but the handlebar, wheelset, and front derailer.(Even the frame) Just couldn't get it to run quiet. I read up on the '98 Trek 7000 being good. But when I went to the shop they were blowing '96s out for $685. Now I see what my other friends who own them meant. I have had two more of my buddies pick 'em up in the last month. I will upgrade and keep this one for a few years.
Favorite Trail:
Potawatmi
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bike Setup:
Indy SL
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ian
a Racer
from denverDate Reviewed: May 12, 1999
Strengths:
it' a kleinWeaknesses:
it' a little hevyBottom Line: grate
Favorite Trail:
moab
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Similar Products Used:
speshilized
Bike Setup:
rock shox
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad Ahrens
a Weekend Warrior
from College Station, TxDate Reviewed: April 26, 1999
Strengths:
frame pretty light at 3.4 lbs
badass paint job
Attention to detail
accelerates like a champ
bought it cheap as closeoutWeaknesses:
gotta watch chain suck
not being made anymoreBottom Line: I love this bike, bought it new as a 97 closeout for $575 bucks. Rode it stock for a while and decided to do some upgradeing. This bike accelerates and climbs like a champ. Its real stiff and will beat you up if you let it though but its also a good thing.
Power transfer is superb with the short chain stays. A cheap way to build up to a 22.25 pound monster. Five chili's all the way. Klein rules, especially as I think this was pre-Trek.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Similar Products Used:
Bridgestone MB-2
Bike Setup:
King hubs with DT revolution and Bontrager Valient Rims alloy nips
97 Judy SL with S-springs/Reisse Gem
Syncros Cranks/RF rings
Syncros Post and Bar
Kore Elite Stem
XTR Shifter/brakes
XT cassette/BB
LX V's and R.Der (upgraded soon)
Alivo frt. der. (yeah yeah I know..crap)
Selle San Marco Concor light
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
snaggle tooth
a weekend warrior
from Charlotte, NC - USADate Reviewed: February 23, 1999
Bottom Line:
just got a klein pulse comp for $699 on closeout. let me just say this bike is sooo nice. sure, the component groupo is not your top of the line stuff but definetely trail worthy! the manitou spyder, ok. you can customize it to your riding style by messing with the guts a little. who cares if its not the top of the line i remember riding rigid 7 years ago, the worst suspension on the market beats that (well almost)...make sure you super glue the caps on top before you ride if your smart (many have said this before me and its true). there is not a bike in this price range (700-1000) that is this sweet. its the frame that makes it so special. maximum quality, very responsive, tough as nails. ive ridden the fisher, trek, cannondale,none can out perform the cadillac feeling of this bike. the best part, IMO is whenever you get a few bucks you can upgrade the components and improve the ride even more! fun all around. you can race this thing or just cruise singletrack for the pleasure. can you tell i love this bike? buy it, youll love it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Douglas
a cross-country rider
from Northfield, MassDate Reviewed: October 18, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have heard a lot of good things about this bike, and after reading the other reviews, you can see what they say for yourself. The bottom line is that I believe Klein makes an exellent bike, with a great geometry for a good price. I plan on buying a frame and upgrading to XT or XTR for racing.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a weekend warrior
from w.hartford, ctDate Reviewed: October 16, 1998
Bottom Line:
I use to think that all these guys on fancy bikes were idiots! I was riding a 6 year old univega with alivio components and soft-ride stem, yet could still blow most of them away, especially on the downhills (lack of fear/brains? I used to race off-road motorcycles, hare scrambles, enduros etc.until the tarils were confiscated) . Then a couple of weeks ago I bought a new bike! The trusty old Univega just fell apart, there was nothing left to fix. Anyway a new (98) Klein Pulse Comp for $699.00! It was the best deal for a bike with a decent front shock I could find. I love it! Fast, light, responsive, good fork (Manitou Spyder) and brakes and the components seem really good. I know they're just slightly better than entry level but to me it's heaven. 5 flaming turds!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charlie
a cross-country rider
from Peoria IllinoisDate Reviewed: September 6, 1998
Bottom Line:
What a great bike. Does the fact that my '96 was screwed together by Trek
make any difference? No way. This was my first bike and it's a great entry
level machine. Along the way I'v upgraded to a Judy SL and XT components
that I've purchased off of this site and others. Shopping the close-outs
at year's end can result in some awesome upgrades at great prices. This bike
does way more than I'm capable of at the moment. I give it 5 chillis.
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